UK food distributors, hospitality and travel firms, foodies and chefs now is your chance to join together with the Balearic Islands and discover your perfect match through new trade partnerships and wowing customers with a wealth of delicious delicacies.
In a first step to bolster business a group of more than 20 of the islands’ local producers showcased their produce in a gathering of all the sectors. The dazzling feast featured wines, cheeses, blossom teas, tangy salts and condiments – with olive oil jams and sweet almonds among many star turns.
Fine foods produced by the Balearics’ agricultural industry are a magnet for visitors and the event took UK food and travel businesses on a sensory journey through the stunningly beautiful archipelago that comprises Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
As well as the destinations’ myriad flavours, textures and aromas, the showcase provided fascinating insights into the remarkable efforts of craft companies and cooperatives working at the grassroots, revealing their care for the land, environment and heritage varieties.
With welcomes from both Jaume Bauza, councillor of tourism, culture and sport, and Joan Simonet, councillor of agriculture, fishing and the natural environment, the event demonstrated how the ethos and expertise of the local Balearic food industry which, as well as featuring many organic producers, helps to preserve and safeguard precious local traditions and customs.
“Lovers of gastronomy and culture have endless opportunities in the Balearic Islands to taste exquisite produce, visit spectacular villages and enjoy a varied cultural offering that stretches throughout the year,” declared Bauza.“Linking gastronomy and culture with tourism is one of the cornerstones of our new administration and forms part of our strategy for the transformation of tourism in the archipelago.”
A key part of the drive by the Regional Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Sport, through the REVIVE Project, Next Generation EU Funds, and the Sustainable Tourism Tax, enables projects aimed at research, innovation, sustainable development, and the circular economy.
“Through the REVIVE Project,” Bauza explained, “we have new tools to promote cultural heritage and, at the same time, develop campaigns and projects that will benefit our local villages, their communities and industries.”
Backing for 85 schemes has made it possible for towns and island councils to upgrade infrastructure, buy heritage-rich land and properties and create new cultural spaces, such as the Can Biscaí ethnological museum in Binissalem and the visitors centre in Esporles. The sustainability tax now operating helps manage the impact of tourism on natural resources, backing projects aimed at improving local resources and actions to promote sustainability.
“Having brilliant infrastructure, a first-class agri-food industry, excellent hotel facilities and a high-quality service industry are undoubtedly ways to tourism success,” observed Bauza. “Our local culture and traditions are deeply connected to our agricultural, food and wine sector and we are proud to deepen these relationships and trade connections with key travel and food partners in the United Kingdom.” For more information about the Balearic Islands, visit: https://www.illesbalears.travel #ATasteoftheBalearics
